Rwanda invests nearly 400 billion Rwf to expand access to safe water

By The Inspirer.

Kigali – The Rwandan government is investing around $270 million (approximately 392 billion Rwf) over the next five years to expand access to safe and clean water, Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore told Parliament.

The investment covers 44 projects nationwide, including water treatment plants, pipelines, and distribution networks.

According to research presented in April 2025, the proportion of Rwandans with access to safe water has risen from 87% in 2017 to 90% today. The government aims to achieve universal access by 2029.

Key projects underway

Part of the investment will go to upgrading the Nzove Water Treatment Plant, a project valued at $21 million. In addition, construction is underway in Mwange and Gicumbi ($32 million), and a major water pipeline project spanning Nyaruguru, Huye, and Gisagara ($98 million) is set to deliver water across multiple districts.

The Huye-Nyaruguru-Gisagara water pipeline is expected to provide 24,000 cubic meters of water per day and include 473 kilometers of distribution pipes. Meanwhile, the Muhazi Water Treatment Plant is being expanded at a cost of $27 million, with 85% of the work already completed.

This project will serve several sectors in Gatsibo and Kayonza districts, supplying clean water to over 543,000 residents, with pipelines spanning 256 kilometers, 11 storage tanks, and 165 public water points.

The Kivu Belt Water Supply Project, costing $23 million, will deliver 13,000 cubic meters of water daily and extend pipelines over 125 kilometers, benefiting sectors such as Rubengera and Bwishyura in Karongi District.

Dr. Gasore also highlighted the Karenge Water Supply Project, which will expand the capacity of the existing plant from 12,000 to 36,000 cubic meters per day, supplying Kigali and parts of Rwamagana District. The project is divided into two phases: construction and local distribution in industrial zones, followed by long-distance pipeline expansion.

Looking ahead, water from the Nyabarongo Lake reservoir, connected to the Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant, is planned to feed the Nzove plant by 2027. This will reduce treatment costs and ensure cleaner water, free from excess sediment and chemicals.

Tackling non-revenue water

Rwanda faces significant losses from treated water that never reaches consumers, known as Non-Revenue Water (NRW), currently estimated at 38% nationwide.

Factors include leaks, faulty meters, poor maintenance, and illegal connections. In Kigali, NRW is around 39.5%, but projects underway aim to reduce losses to 30% by next summer, 25% by 2027, and 5% by 2029—a global benchmark for efficiency.

All projects align with Rwanda’s 2050 Water Vision, which requires at least 12 trillion Rwf in investment to ensure safe water reaches every citizen. Dr. Gasore emphasized that partnerships with international stakeholders will be key, with payments linked to achieving measurable results.

“By investing in infrastructure, modern treatment plants, and efficient distribution, we are laying the foundation for universal access to clean and safe water for all Rwandans,” he said.